Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review: ( 1 Customer Review )

Steber, Full of Sound and SubstanceMarch 30, 2012By Basil De Pinto (Piedmont, CA)See All My Reviews"Eleanor Steber had one of the most beautiful voices in the history of American opera. I would characterize it as a true lyric-spinto, capable of moving with ease through both lighter and heavier roles in the repertory. She was a notable Countess in Mozart's Figaro, a memorable Butterfly, and a pure-sounding Elsa in a Bayreuth Lohengrin. In the recording under review she tackles the very demanding role of the Empress in Strauss's Frau ohne Schatten. While missing some of the deeper emotional resonance of the role (Leonie Rysanek practically owned this part), Steber's fresh, youthful sound does impart much of the impulsive, yearning character of the Empress, and she is aided by a fine supporting cast, including the still handsome voice of Set Svanholm. The Four Last Songs of Strauss and Beethoven's Ah, perfido are less satisfying, due to a somewhat weak lower register in the voice. Still, this is a CD not to be missed."Report Abuse